My View of Life on the Dock
Sugar Magnolia’s toasties are scrumptious specialty sandwich options grilled “toasty” in a flour wrap ready to grab hold and go (with pickles and chips). This one is chicken salad with sliced apple and red grapes. The french toast of the day was cozy fall spice pumpkin with infused fluffy whip cream. Both are ample enough to share. Can’t choose? Bring a friend and split a sweet and salty order for two!
The fabulous and fantastic brand new restaurant, Grove, opened this past week. The restaurant is part of the Briar Barn Inn, spa, and art gallery complex, which is located at 101 Main Street in Rowley. I was invited to attend a soft opening by my friend Sarah Boucher, Briar Barn Inn’s Director of Sales and Marketing, and had the joy of sharing breakfast with her charming husband Jeff and their adorable daughter Cordelia.
The country-style restaurant is simply beyond gorgeous, with soaring post and beam ceilings and natural light spilling in all around. The beautiful light fixtures create a warm, ambient glow and the furnishings are an inviting mix of modern comfort with Swedish farmhouse style and country French.
The space is not only open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch, but is ideally perfect for small to mid-sized weddings, as well as a host of events including company meetings and parties. And the staff is wonderfully kid friendly, too 🙂
If you have ever attended a wedding or special event at Willowdale Estate, then you know of their renowned catering team and how exquisitely delicious is the fare. Chef Ben Lightbody, Willowdale’s Executive Chef, is also the Executive Chef at Grove, and he has created an outstanding menu.
I really don’t need to say more, but just in case you have never sampled Willowdale’s offerings, Grove’s French toast, with cinnamon crème anglaise, is the best French toast I have ever had, and I make really good French toast. The outer layer was a thin perfectly butter browned crust, while the bread was moist and tender inside. The cinnamon crème anglaise was pure perfection and the candied pecans made for a wonderfully crunchy counterpoint. I cannot wait to bring my family and try lunch and dinner!
Sunday: 9:00am – 9:00pm
Monday: Closed
Tuesday – Thursday: 7:30am – 9:00pm
Friday: 7:30am – 10:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am – 2:00pm
* Alcoholic beverage service begins at 11am
Call or Email for Reservations:
978-484-5166 | Grove@BriarBarnInn.com
GMG regular readers, and especially our contributors, know Mary through her always kind and engaged comments. Well, she’s just as nice and kind-hearted in person, and has a wicked sense of humor, too!
Mary’s ancestors are McLouds and Wonsons and she spent her childhood summers on Rocky Neck and East Gloucester. Although she presently lives far off-island, she keeps in touch with Gloucester all thoughout the year by reading GMG and comes “home” as often as time allows. So wonderful to meet you Mary!
Fab French Toast at the Annisquam Market
Annisquam Market Mini Container Garden Planted with Succulents and Fresh Herbs
Did you know that panettone makes wonderful French toast?
We make French toast with panetonne during the holidays and it is always a much appreciated hit. Give it a try—your family will love you for it!
4-5 eggs whisked
1 ½ Cups whole milk
2 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt
6-8 slices of panettone, cut into slices roughly ½ inch thick, and arranged to fit your baking dish,
Optional: add grated orange zest and cinnamon to the batter
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter 9 x 12 inch baking dish. Dip panetonne in batter. Arrange slices in pan and pour any remaining batter over bread slices. Up to this point the French toast can be made ahead of time and set aside until ready to bake. Refrigerate if longer than half an hour. Bake 20-25 minutes until golden brown and puffy. Sprinkle with confectioner’s sugar.
Georgia’s Toast-
Graham coated, marshmallow and chocolate stuffed French toast $ 8
Sugar Magnolia’s Georgia’s Toast, originally uploaded by captjoe06.
Red Skiff French Toast With Ham, originally uploaded by captjoe06.
Morning Glory French Toast With Strawberries, originally uploaded by captjoe06.
Good Morning Gloucester 